Chungcheongnam-do Province announced on the 9th that it conducted a special inspection to prevent safety accidents related to nighttime tidal flat gathering (haerojil) in the areas of Dasahang Port and Jangpo Tidal Flat in Seocheon-gun.

This inspection was arranged as a proactive measure to review safety management practices and prevent accidents, anticipating an increase in coastal visitors during the autumn spring tide period and holidays.

The inspection team consisted of officials from the province, including Administrative Vice Governor Hong Jong-wan, Seocheon-gun, and the Boryeong Coast Guard.

The target areas—Dasahang Port and Jangpo Tidal Flat—feature extensive tidal flats and are popular spots for haerojil, attracting many visitors. However, at night, it is difficult to identify tidal channels and waterways, posing a high risk of being stranded as the tide comes in.

In fact, a missing person fatal accident occurred during nighttime haerojil near Dasahang Port in May of last year, and another fatal accident occurred during haerojil in the Jangpo-ri tidal flat in September of this year.

Accordingly, the inspection team focused on major access points such as the Jangpo Beach tidal flat experience center to check visitor trends and the management status of safety facilities. They intensively guided visitors to wear life jackets, check tide times, refrain from solo haerojil, and return to shore early before low tide.

In addition, the team checked the nighttime visibility of danger warning signs and safety facilities, as well as the management status of lifesaving equipment. They also reviewed the on-site response system to ensure prompt coordination with relevant agencies such as the Coast Guard and fire authorities in the event of stranded individuals.

Along with this inspection, the province is carrying out special spring tide inspections targeting 10 high-risk, densely populated haerojil zones selected by the Coast Guard, in alignment with the special countermeasure period for preventing autumn tidal flat safety accidents.

During this period, patrols around major access points will be conducted around nighttime low tide hours, alongside on-site guidance and safety facility inspections to prevent accidents.

"Nighttime haerojil can lead to casualties if people miss the tide or become trapped in tidal channels, requiring special caution," Administrative Vice Governor Hong Jong-wan said. "We ask all residents and visitors to wear life jackets, check tide times in advance, and strictly follow safety rules."

He added, "Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen on-site inspections and preventive publicity in vulnerable areas for tidal flat safety accidents in cooperation with relevant agencies."

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